Rowan Co. addresses security after prisoner escapes

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. - Rowan County officials met Thursday morning to discuss security concerns at the magistrate’s office after a prisoner escaped Wednesday.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said in an email they are making security changes including enhancing the fencing around the magistrate's building that is now topped with razor wire and it's about 8 feet tall.

The maintenance staff is requesting estimates from contractors who specialize in security at detention centers.

The Sheriff's Office also revealed that Jameel Stephens-Maddox's wrists were hooked behind his back with metal handcuffs but somehow he got free.

Channel 9 cameras were rolling when police found out Maddox escaped Wednesday. Authorities scrambled to their vehicles to start the all-out search.

Maddox was still on the run Thursday afternoon.

Deputies said once Maddox got out of his handcuffs inside the building, he climbed the fence outside and onto the roof, where he jumped to freedom.